I am halfway done with my MFA program.
This realization makes me sad. I predicted that the program would go by quickly, and unfortunately that seems to be the case. I enjoy it so much that I don’t want it to end.
I’m entering my third semester, which means that I have to produce a big critical paper and then present it to my peers in the summer. This particular project has proven to be a stumbling block for some, but I’m not all that worried about it (of course, instead of blogging, I could be working on it. Hmm.) My goal is to have a completed draft turned in with my first packet. Ideally, I would like to have a completed draft done in the next couple of weeks so that I could also submit some creative work in my first packet.
One good thing about entering my third semester is that I have completed the required reading list. Now I get to read whatever I want, though I’m focusing on books that will help me with my critical paper.
Since I don’t have to complete an annotated bibliography with each packet anymore, I’m hoping that I have more time to write blog posts. Another goal I have is to try to write something every day, even if it’s not explicitly for my packet. I got a book of writing prompts for Christmas, and I am working on different writing prompts with some friends from the program.
In other news, I purchased a new website. It’s kind of a bold move. I locked down joshuamhammond.com, which seems to say, “Someday I will be a published author in need of his own website.” I guess you have to believe in yourself if you want to make things happen.
Bromleigh also jazzed up her website. She is working on getting her latest book into the hands of a publisher. She had a great conversation with a fancy New York agent the other day, so fingers crossed.
I am hoping that my critical paper goes well so that I have time to do creative work. It would be great if I could get a couple of pieces into good enough shape to start querying agents. That part scares me, though, because how do you know when something is good enough? Maybe I’ll get some good feedback from my new advisor, and go from there.
Anyway, wish me luck!
